“It was awesome – probably the best experience I ever had,” said Chelsie Bram, a nursing major from Buffalo Grove. “I feel like everybody won. It was a lot of fun.”

“Who wouldn’t have a good time in Miami on New Year’s Eve?” shrugged Jackie Jordon, a senior technology major.

The experience was especially memorable for Anthony Wood and Rachel Sevik.

The two had been dating for a long time, but couldn’t arrange to get on the same bus. That was more than a little disappointing, considering that Wood had stashed an engagement ring in his suitcase.

Understandably excited, he told some of his traveling companions of his plans for a New Year’s Eve proposal on the beach. For the record, Sevik, who also graduated in December with a degree in nursing, said yes.